Bats at Night (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How can an animal get around when it is too dark to see? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 200 words in 4 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. Page 2 has five questions, three multiple choice and two written. Remind students to answer in complete sentences and to point to the part of the text that proves their answer. Check the work with the answer key.

Bats at Night gives 3rd grade students a nonfiction passage of about 200 words about how bats fly at night, find their way in the dark and help people, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea and vocabulary in context, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.3.2. An answer key is included.

Bats at Night is a nonfiction passage of about 200 words about how bats fly at night, find their way in the dark and help people. It is written for 3rd grade readers (ages 8-9) and has 4 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice the main idea and vocabulary in context. Questions include "What is the main idea of the passage" and "How do fruit bats help new trees grow". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.3.2, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: How can an animal get around when it is too dark to see? Ask students to name one thing they wonder about the topic, then read to find out. Come back to the question after the last paragraph.

Set aside roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Families can use it for a calm reading session, and teachers can use it as homework, a center or a short formative check of the main idea and vocabulary in context.